Why “Intellectuals Are Fucking Idiots”
Why “Intellectuals Are Fucking Idiots” Is Perfect Packaging
Proof that this packaging slaps^^
Above is the screenshot of when I posted about this video on Twitter, it had 259k views then,
Two Weeks later,(Jun 5) it has 1.1M views and is 6.1x outlier on Mark’s channel.
Let’s break down why this title and thumbnail combo slaps.
1. Goes Straight for the Insecurities
Everyone’s sized themselves up against the “smart” degree crowd. Maybe you felt a little envy, maybe you felt dismissed. This title calls that out, no filter. It’s a direct shot at the people you’ve been told to look up to.
2. Tells People What They Secretly Want
Most folks love seeing the so-called “elite” get roasted. This title is basically saying, “Relax, those people you envy? They’re not untouchable.” It’s satisfying. It’s a little rebellious. It’s what people wish someone would say out loud.
3. The Thumbnail Is a Punchline
Graduation cap, tiny brain. You get the joke in half a second. No need to overthink it.
4. Curiosity Does the Heavy Lifting
You see a title like this and you’re instantly wondering, “What’s the story here?” Even if you disagree, you want to see the reasoning. That curiosity is what gets the click.
Intro Story That Proves the Point (intro is very important)
“December 19th, 1978. Malcolm Caldwell, professor at the University of London, boards a plane to Cambodia. He’s not just going for a holiday-he’s about to meet Pol Pot, the Khmer Rouge leader. Caldwell and his friends think this trip could change the world.”
Three days later, Caldwell is dead. Killed in a way that’s almost cartoonishly dumb.
He was so deep in his own academic bubble, he couldn’t see the obvious danger. Thought he was too smart to get played. Thought his intellect was a shield. Turns out, it wasn’t”
That opening with Malcolm Caldwell is the hook that locks people in.
First, it sets the stakes High-stakes situation where being “intellectual” actually backfired. People instantly get that this isn’t just another rant.
Second, it creates tension. You start with a respected professor, a rare opportunity, and then boom he’s dead in the dumbest way possible. That’s a plot twist. People want to know how it happened, and why.
Third, it delivers on the promise. The title says “intellectuals are fucking idiots.” The intro proves it, right out of the gate. No waiting, no filler. You show, not just tell.
A strong intro like this makes people stay. They’re not just curious - they’re invested. They want to see how the story unfolds, and what lesson they’re supposed to take away.
Loved breaking this down - btw I just researched 50 viral ideas for founders you might wanna check out it’s free - Notion